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The Latest Dirt - Sept 2022

UC Master Gardeners Wish a Happy 90th Birthday to PK Sathe

By Janet Miller

Photo by Fred Teensma. Longtime UC Master Gardener Prabhakar Sathe is surrounded by Mary Jo Corby, Leesa Evans and Robannie Smidebush.
Photo by Fred Teensma. Longtime UC Master Gardener Prabhakar Sathe is surrounded by Mary Jo Corby, Leesa Evans and Robannie Smidebush.

Ninety years old and still going strong!! They say that gardeners live longer, healthier lives than non-gardeners and UC Master Gardener Prabhakar S. Sathe (known as PK to one and all) is an inspiring example of that idea. PK is a much beloved and valuable member of the Our Garden team and is responsible for getting most of our veggies seeded and growing throughout the year.

However, his experience as a Master Gardener didn't start with us. PK moved to the US from his native India in 1978 after working in the Indian Diplomatic Service for over 25 years. Both he and his wife were first members of the Santa Clara County Rose Society. They both became certified UC Master Gardeners in 1982. His wife, Kaumudi P. Sathe, was also a very active UC Master Gardener, but sadly passed away in 2009.

PK transferred to Contra Costa County MG from Santa Clara County MG in 2016 when he moved to Walnut Creek to stay with his daughter. It was at that time PK joined the Our Garden team and quickly became an important part of the team, both for his work in the garden and for his contributions to our famous lunches.

One of his many talents is that he's a terrific cook, and the Indian dishes he's made for us are legendary. As for gardening contributing to a happy healthy life, here's what PK says: "Not only my love for gardening, but all the friendly MG colleagues also make my Life much more enjoyable and worth living for." We are honored to be part of PK's life. Please join me in wishing PK a very happy 90th birthday!!